| Posted January 21, 2015 | By Melonee Hurt | Categorized under WMC Happenings |

Cory Calendine, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon with Vanderbilt Bone & Joint Clinic in Franklin describes the new leading-edge surgical robotic technology at Williamson Medical Center as being like a GPS for a hip or knee joint.

That's about the best way to explain exactly what the RIO^®, the Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopaedic System, is going to do for orthopaedic surgeries at WMC.

"With this technology, we will be able to do specialized images of the joint before we start a surgery and that allows us to plan better," Calendine said. "It enables the surgeon to do a more thorough pre-operative evaluation, plan the most effective procedure and then execute it more precisely than ever."

Williamson Medical Center is leading the way in the Nashville region with orthopaedic robotic technology, being the only area medical center to offer the RIO^® system.

"We have a very successful orthopaedic surgery program here, so having a piece of technology like this will help solidify Williamson Medical Center as the place to come for these types of surgeries," said Don Webb, CEO of WMC. "Being the first in the area to offer this level of precision speaks volumes about our commitment to orthopaedics."

Orthopaedic surgeon Brian Perkinson, M.D., said the need for the technology is driven by people having higher expectations for their lifestyle, especially as they age.

"People are coming to see us earlier in life than ever before," Perkinson said. "The robot allows us to address their joint issues at a less advanced stage. Specifically, this technology improves the accuracy of partial knee replacement and makes the surgery much easier, so we don't need to wait until a full replacement is warranted. We believe that improved accuracy will translate into partial knee replacements that last longer and longer for our patients.

An ideal candidate for a partial knee is someone who has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis that has not progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Benefits of these robotic-assisted partial knee replacements include a smaller incision, less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay, improved range of motion and the ability to return to normal everyday activities much sooner than with traditional knee replacement surgery.

In addition to pre-operative planning, during surgery, RIO^® provides real-time information and images that allow the surgeon to control accurate implant placement, which is more difficult using manual techniques.

According to a Duke University study, 90 percent of candidates for hip or knee replacements decline surgery because of perceived complications. With the RIO^® System, people don't have to be apprehensive about the results.

"With this type of technology, we can do partial knees or full hip replacements with unparalleled precision," said orthopaedic surgeon Christopher Stark, M.D. "Being able to offer this level of precision enhances the entire orthopaedic program at Williamson Medical Center because it enables us to open up these options to more people. We really are starting to see more motivated patients because they are learning that we can do these surgeries."

Orthopaedic surgeon Paul Thomas, M.D., said this RIO^® system is something that isn't available anywhere else in the Nashville metro area.

"This really is a unique process from start to finish that is all focused on faster recovery and better outcomes," Thomas said. "It showcases Williamson Medical Center's commitment to embracing proven new technology, so that we can always deliver excellent patient care resulting in better outcomes."

Although RIO^® is new to Williamson Medical Center, it isn't brand new technology. It has been widely used.  The Robotic-Arm Assisted system, created by Mako, was FDA approved in 2006 and has been commercially available in the U.S. since 2009.  Thousands of successful knee and hip replacements have been performed using this technology.

"It's important to note that this is an interactive system," Calendine said. "It's a tool that the surgeon is in control of, so the robot aids the surgeon."

Colin Looney, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon, said this new robotic technology is a great way to showcase Williamson Medical Center and the joint program that's been developed here.

"We have this great arthroplasty program that does a thousand joints a year right here in our own community with local surgeons and staff," he said.